Peace & Tranquility at Lake Francis

You might as well leave your cell phone devices at home. Why you might ask? Well, when you enter the Great North Woods (Grand Bois du Nord) the vast magnitude of wilderness will along prevent you from making any phone calls.

The entrance to Lake Francis State Park in Pittsburg, New Hampshire.

When I first entered the state of New Hampshire way back in January I had no idea that you could drive four plus hours and still be in the Granite State. However throughout this Summer into the first few days of Fall I have met people who have traveled all the way from Arkansas, and I recently just saw a Texas License Plate! So why do people drive all the way to the most northern town in NH, and the largest township east of the Mississippi?

Spruce trees on a misty day on East Inlet in Pittsburg, New Hampshire.

Many folks arrive for the recently established 1,000 miles of ATV trails known as “Ride the Wilds.”

A man rides his ATV on through the forest at Jericho Mountain State Park in Berlin, New Hampshire. White Mountains.

Others drive to the Great North Woods for the pristine fishing in the area, where many sections of the Connecticut River have trophy fish sections, may I remind you only fly-fishing along these sections.

Fly-fishing on the Connecticut River in Lake Francis State Park in Pittsburg, New Hampshire.

Drive off Rte 3 onto River Road, travel a mere 1.8 miles past an old covered bridge and there is quaint Lake Francis, the reason thousands of people venture up here each summer. You won’t hear any traffic or motorized boats, except for people trolling for fish. The only sound you might hear is the majestic call of one of the loons residing on the lake. This is the reason why campers have been coming here for years upon years… peacefulness!

A couple kayaks on a misty day on East Inlet in Pittsburg, New Hampshire.

I’ve met some folks who have been coming to camp up at Lake Francis since the ‘60s, some 10-15 years, and others having their first experience. Asked why they keep coming back? They typically answer because it’s just so quiet and peaceful.

A couple enjoys the view from a waterfront campsite at Lake Francis State Park in Pittsburg, New Hampshire.

So come up to the Lake Francis State Park to experience the vast wilderness that surrounds the area, and find out why people keep returning year after year!

About Discover Power of Parks SCA Interpreters

Discover the Power of Parks is presented by New Hampshire State Parks in collaboration with the Student Conservation Association and made possible by generous financial support from Public Service of New Hampshire. The program offers a look into the natural world through hands-on programming.
Interpretive programs focus on connecting participants with nature and building appreciation for New Hampshire's unmatched natural heritage. Programs include guided hikes, interpretive tours, and imaginative environmental workshops for children and families. Programs are offered free to guests with paid park admission fee. No pre-registration is required.
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One Response to Peace & Tranquility at Lake Francis

I stopped here during a backpacking trip on the Cohos Trail. The tent platform at site 39 was heavenly: nicely buffered from the RV area, close to where the river flows into the lake. Just the thing after a rainy day on the trails!